BUSINESS STAGE
Who's ready to level up their business skills with our Business Stage? This stage will cover a wide range of topics from industry leaders. Gain valuable insights and optimise your business plan for success in 2025!
Business Stage
Get ready to elevate your barbering skills by visiting the Business Stage at this year’s Barber Connect at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) Birmingham
Register for FREEFull line-up coming soon...
SUNDAY
18th May, 2025
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Everything You Need to Know About Opening Your Own Barbershop
Zamaine Ismail
,Louise Whitemore
,Sam Campagna
Everything You Need to Know About Opening Your Own Barbershop
Zamaine Ismail
Zamaine Ismail is a British entrepreneur and the founder of West and Hunter Gentlemen’s Grooming Club. Before opening his own barbershop in 2020, Zamaine built his expertise at a leading barbershop in Parsons Green and held the role of Master Barber at Acqua di Parma Barbiere in Selfridges. These experiences helped shape his deep understanding of both precision grooming and exceptional client care. Under Zamaine’s leadership, West and Hunter quickly made its mark on the industry. The brand has received multiple industry recognitions, including awards such as ‘Best Client Experience’ at the 2023 Modern Barber Awards and 'Barbershop of the Year' at the British Hairdressing Business Awards in 2023.
Louise Whitemore
Sam Campagna
Sam Campagna has 25 years of mastery in barbering and is a global educator for Matakki. Sam runs his own shop, specialising in short hair and pixie cuts. Honoured with an MK College Fellowship Award, he reshapes barbering education, aiming for inclusivity & innovation. Beyond the chair, Sam mentors individuals and businesses, shaping the future of the industry. Now, as the driving force behind Barbone, his latest endeavour promises to revolutionise the industry with innovation and unparalleled style!
10:30 18th May, 2025
So you want to become a Brand Ambassador...?
Danny Robinson
,Mitch Dyer
,Sam Johnson
So you want to become a Brand Ambassador...?
Danny Robinson
Mitch Dyer
Sam Johnson
11:15 18th May, 2025
Why am I not making money from retail?
Ian Harrold
,Graeme Macaskill
Why am I not making money from retail?
Ian Harrold
Ian Harrold established his first company Traditions Barber Shop in the North West in 1996 when he was just 21 through a grant from The Princes Trust. In 2003 he diversified further into men’s grooming and opened an appointment-based men’s salon called Attitude. For almost two decades, Ian has enjoyed the role of Lead Educator for American Crew as well as being an award-winning member of the Global Allstar Education Team.
Graeme Macaskill
12:00 18th May, 2025
Why is it SO hard to recruit right now?
Joe Pomper
,Wez Jones
,Naomi Richardson
Why is it SO hard to recruit right now?
Joe Pomper
Wez Jones
Owner of HeartBreak Club. Barber of over 16years. Wez has spent over a decade defining and redefining the circulating trends of the men's hair and distributing the need to know techniques and styles back to students and the hair world. Having worked with some incredible brands along the way such as Reuzel, BaByliss Pro, just to name a few.
Naomi Richardson
Proud Northerner Naomi started cutting hair at the age of fourteen and, after many years at high end salons, she decided to head south and move into barbering. Her unique skillset and work ethic saw her promoted to Manager, and more recently, senior barber at Ruffians. Naomi’s large client list and her 2024 debut at Wahl, Barber of the Year, backs up our opinion that she is one of central London’s finest hair professionals.
12:45 18th May, 2025
The impact of budget- and how to fight back
Bobby Gordon
,Steph Stevenson
,Phil Jarman
The impact of budget- and how to fight back
Bobby Gordon
I have been in the industry since 1992. I own Fella a small chain of barbershops located in Soho, Canterbury and Folkestone and have been in business for 17 years now. Modern Barber Business Leader of the year 2024.
Steph Stevenson
Steph Stevenson is a trailblazer in merging artificial intelligence with the barbering and salon business, revolutionising the industry. As a keynote speaker and seasoned business leader, she possesses a wealth of successful ventures and hard-earned insights. Steph is fiercely dedicated to future-proofing salons, offering a treasure trove of innovative ideas and battle-tested strategies. Her mission? To steer the world of barbering and salons into a new era with AI at the helm to direct.
Phil Jarman
With 37 years in the industry, Phil Jarman is eager to share his extensive knowledge and expertise in men’s hairdressing. From running thriving barbershops to establishing an academy, he’s also traveled globally to educate barbers and hairdressers. His speech promises to be packed with motivation, offering valuable insights drawn from his vast experience and passion for the craft.
13:30 18th May, 2025
Is Industry training fit for purpose?
Charles Rose
,Katie Birkes
,Michael Joseph
Is Industry training fit for purpose?
Charles Rose
Meet Charles Rose, a visionary in the world of hairdressing and the driving force behind crate cheshire, a rising star in the salon scene. With a specialisation in short hair and an unwavering commitment to inclusivity, Charles is redefining what it means to be a short-hair specialist, one cut at a time.
Katie Birkes
Michael Joseph
14:15 18th May, 2025
Ask me anything panel
Alex Burt
,Baldy
,JJ Savani
Ask me anything panel
Alex Burt
Owner of Teddy Edwards brand, Alex has been involved with Matakki Scissors for a long while, cutting and presenting on stage for them. Alex decided he would give up his weekend of beers and mingling to instead join us at Barber Connect and offer his expert advice on the Modern Barber Stage. Nominated for a plethora of awards, including being shortlisted as a Modern Barber Awards finalist for best all round barber, Alex epitomises barbering excellence.
Baldy
Baldy is a business owner of 2 shops in Buckinghamshire as well as an Andis global educator, iCandy Scissors Australia all star UK lead educator, cape gang ambassador and to top it all off, British Master Barber of the Year 2022.
JJ Savani
15:00 18th May, 2025
MONDAY
19th May, 2025
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Breaking Barber Stereotypes
Derek Shortall
,Deone Luke
Breaking Barber Stereotypes
Derek Shortall
Derek “Shortie” Shortall is the creative force behind Shorties, a standout barbershop in Lower Clapton, East London. Originally from Ireland, Derek launched Shorties in 2020 as a one-chair private studio, driven by a love for the craft and community. In 2022, he took the leap to the high street, reimagining the space as a bold, inclusive hub where everyone feels welcome. With its striking 1980s-inspired design, Shorties quickly made an impression, earning Best Shop Interior at the 2023 Modern Barber Awards. More than just a barbershop, it has become a go-to destination for those seeking top-tier barbering in a fun and nostalgic setting. Derek and his teams dedication to the craft and commitment to an inclusive client experience continue to set Shorties apart as one of London’s best.
Deone Luke
10:30 19th May, 2025
Let's talk about...mental health
Tom Hoffman
,Damien Diablo
Let's talk about...mental health
Tom Hoffman
A seasoned stylist with a journey spanning over 15 years in the world of grooming and fashion, Tom is the force behind the vision of Diligents. He envisioned a space where men could not only receive exceptional grooming services but also embark on a journey of self-improvement and self-expression. His dream became a reality, and the Diligents gallery stands as a testament to his dedication, creativity, and unwavering commitment to client satisfaction. Tom is also an ambassador and global educator for Depot and co-founder of Hair Curate Live.
Damien Diablo
11:15 19th May, 2025
Ask me anything
Josh Lamonaca
,Samuel Palmer
Ask me anything
Josh Lamonaca
Samuel Palmer
12:00 19th May, 2025
Online entrepreneurship- making social media work harder
Sid da Barber
,Dean Gleeson
,Dan Gregory
Online entrepreneurship- making social media work harder
Sid da Barber
Currently, Sid serves as the Creative Director and Manager at Jacks of London in Guildford, where he leads a talented team while providing top-notch barbering services. As a multi-award-winning finalist and a proud member of the UK Top 100 Barbers, his dedication to excellence is unmatched. Sid’s expertise has been featured in prestigious publications, including The Barber Magazine, Hairdressers Journal, Modern Barber, Barber Evo, Revista Coiffure and Estetica Magazine.He also shares his insights and the latest trends in barbering as a columnist for Surrey Rocks Magazine.
Dean Gleeson
Dean has dedicated his barbering career to continuously becoming the best at what he does. From creating his own stand-out collections featured in BarberEVO and Modern Barber magazine, to being crowned the winner of Pro Barber World Series, and also running a successful barbershop in Essex for the last 10 years. Dean is known for his expertise and innovative approach to grooming. As Lead Educator for Wahl Professional UK, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of barbers by providing training and guidance on the latest techniques, tools, and trends. Dean is also the Team Lead for The Fellowship Project Men & Media, where he leads a group of top-tier barbers in promoting excellence and advancing the craft within the industry. His collaboration with Wahl has solidified his position as a key figure in professional barbering, inspiring both seasoned barbers and newcomers alike. With numerous accolades, workshops, and a loyal following, Dean continues to push the boundaries of barbering, empowering others to excel in their craft.
Dan Gregory
Dan’s experience combined with his personal and tailored approach makes him one of the most sought after barbers in his industry today. For over 2 decades, his name has been featured in hundreds of publications across the world, he has been named GQ Magazines Best Barber in London for 4 years running, ES magazines Best Gentlemen Hairdresser title. Dan has an impressive list of loyal clients ranging from City Executives to Hollywood stars & has a successful YouTube & TikTok channel Regal Gentleman.
12:45 19th May, 2025
So you want to go freelance?
Tom Mason-Smith
So you want to go freelance?
Tom Mason-Smith
13:30 19th May, 2025
What young barbers really think about the industry
Jai-Li Rayneau
,Cosmin Gradinaru
,Ayeesha Coleman
What young barbers really think about the industry
Jai-Li Rayneau
Jai-li Rayneau is a qualified hairdresser, braider/loctician and barber. She currently works at ‘Hairjessers’ and ‘Doitfortheart Studio’ in Milton Keynes.
Cosmin Gradinaru
After moving from Romania to the UK, I immediately focused on my barber education at the London School of Barbering. I quickly honed my unique skills and utilized social media to grow my clientele. After winning my first competition as a Raw Talent, I was entered into the 2025 Barber of the Year contest and had the opportunity to perform at Modern Barber, sharing my knowledge with others. Make sure to prepare your questions for my seminar at Modern Barber in BC Birmingham on May 18th at 14:30. This is an event you won’t want to miss.
Ayeesha Coleman
With a passion for precision and style, I have built a career dedicated to the art of barbering in Manchester. Whether it’s fresh fades or creative colour designs, I take pride in crafting unique looks that suit each client's individuality. My dedication to the craft was recognised last year when I won the Modern Barber Postgraduate Raw Talent Category in October at Salon International, a milestone that reflects my commitment to innovation and excellence in barbering.
14:15 19th May, 2025
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